take a look at mitch mcconnell and harry reid just this afternoon. >> you'll excuse me if i'm a little frustrated at the situation. >> republican leader finds himself frustrated. >> i say i'm frustrated because we have been asking the president and the democrats to work with us. >> he complains i have not delivered the votes to pass the solution to the fiscal cliff. he's in error. >> i told the president i would be happy to look at whatever he proposes. >> he's upset because, quote, the phone never rang. >> as i said, this is a conversation we should have had months ago. >> we have nobody to work with, compromise. >> republicans aren't about to write a blank check. >> we can't negotiate with ourselves. that's all we're doing. >> we don't have many days left. >> we're in the same situation we have been in for a long time. >> as you can see, senate is back in session today. the house plans to be back on sunday. more now on the breaking news. senior congressional correspondent dana bash joins us now from capitol hill. chief white house correspondent jessica yellin is on the white house no